Amy, our Legal Amin Assistant joined Halton Housing in 2018 and is already doing her bit to help break the bias. 

“I started at Halton Housing as the Legal Support Admin Assistant after gaining a 2:1 In Law and Criminal Justice at University. Throughout Sixth Form and University I worked in several customer facing roles in Retail. In my current role I assist with gaining appointments for our Legally required yearly Gas and Electric Safety Checks. I work closely with other teams in the business ensuring compliance and the best service for our Customers as these checks are for their safety and their properties.” 

  “I love working at Halton Housing because all staff members that I meet, are always friendly and happy to help. I feel comfortable at work and that I can be supported in getting the most out of my career. I also love working flexibly which gives me the freedom to have a great work-life balance.  

The theme for International Women's Day this year is 'Break the Bias'. It encourages us to imagine a gender equal world, a world that is, Free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. Diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.  
  
We asked Amy ‘How important is this message and why?'  

“‘Break the bias’ is extremely important to me, I want to live in a world where Strong Women are judged based on their work ethic, enthusiasm and sheer determination, not because of their gender. As a young woman at the start of her career, I don’t want to be faced with any future barriers due to my gender. I am constantly motivated by the Strong Female Leaders in our Company.” 

What steps (big or small) can we all take to 'break the bias?'  

I think one step to break the bias about gender, is to stop Positive Discrimination. Classing any gender as a ‘Protected Characteristic’ and therefore giving more opportunity to those in that category is not beneficial. Women just want to be treated equally and fairly in order to break the bias and have the same opportunities as Men.  

What would be your personal pledge to helping to 'break the bias?  

For years, women were discriminated against and made to be unequal to men, being told they could not work and had to remain at home. My personal pledge is to encourage people to take the time to learn about how far Women have come. Having an open-mind to learn and accepting that we still aren’t living in a world of equal opportunities, will be a step in the right direction to a better future.